The quality or state of being attentive or directing attention toward something; careful heed or notice.
From Latin 'advertentia' (attention, care), derived from 'advertere' (to turn toward). The English noun form emphasizes the state of mind or practice of paying attention, developed especially in philosophical and theological contexts.
Medieval theologians used 'advertence' to describe how carefully you paid attention to your own thoughts and actions—they believed true 'advertence' to your intentions made an action morally serious, which is why confessors asked about your state of mind.
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